The Empire Collection: Charles II (single coin)

This stunning proof coin minted in 8 grams of .9999 gold is inspired by Charles II’s 1668 Crown Second Bust, and created in the style resembling the minting techniques of the time.

Full set 9-coin presentation box included FREE with your coin.

Under the reign of King Charles II, the right to take and rule territories, to mint money, to command fortresses, to build armies and ‘make peace and war’ was to become the basis for the future rule of the British in India. The marriage of Charles II to Catherine of Braganza delivered The Company seven small islands, later to become the city of Bombay. In Britain tea drinking became fashionable and the start of a lucrative tea trade began.

The coin’s title makes reference to Charles II’s charter aimed at strengthening the power of The East India Company.

Individual presentation box included

Details

CHARLES I I

Under continuing imperial patronage, The Company expanded its trading operations, eclipsing the Portuguese and establishing trading posts in Surat, Madras, Bombay and Calcutta and securing ports off the coast of China. By 1634, the ruling Mughal Emperor extended his hospitality to Bengal and trade in cotton, silk, indigo dye, saltpetre and tea. Intense competition with their greatest rival, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) culminated in the first Anglo-Dutch war. During the reign of King Charles II a series of new Charters were granted, enhancing the status of The Company in India. The right to take and rule territories, to mint money, to command fortresses, to build armies and ‘make peace and war’ was to become the basis for the future rule of the British in India. The marriage of Charles II to Catherine of Braganza delivered The Company seven small islands, later to become the city of Bombay. In Britain tea drinking became fashionable and the start of a lucrative tea trade began.

TEA PLANT: During the reign of Charles II, tea became an important commodity. Its popularity at home created an increasing demand which was quickly satisfied by The Company’s imports.

MAKE PEACE & WAR: The title makes reference to Charles II’s charter aimed at strengthening the power of The East India Company. These acts provided The Company with the rights to autonomous territorial acquisitions, to mint money, to command fortresses and troops and form alliances, to make war & peace, and to exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the acquired areas.

DOUBLE C: The double C mark appeared on Charles II English coinage during his reign and can be found merged into Mughal coins minted by The Company, especially silver Fanams and Sumatra copper Cash coins.

BOMBAY MINT: The Bombay Mint was to become the first mint opened by The East India Company in India. Today it is the site of India Govern­ment Mint in Mumbai.